How to Cook Sweet Potatoes

Not sure how to cook sweet potatoes? You’re not alone! A recent consumer research survey showed that 20% of young adults feel that sweet potatoes are not easy to cook. Have no fear! The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission is here to help you conquer the kitchen and learn the easy tricks of cooking sweet potatoes. While baking is the most traditional way to cook sweet potatoes, there are countless ways to prepare them and cash in on their heavenly sweetness.

Baked Sweet Potato

To cook sweet potatoes, pierce their skin several times with a fork and bake at 400° for 40-50 minutes or until fork tender.

Steamed Sweet Potato

Microwaved Sweet Potato

Micro-Bake Sweet Potato

Microwave whole sweet potato for 4 minutes, then bake at 450° for 5 to 10 minutes.

Grilled Sweet Potato

Cut sweet potato in half lengthwise and grill 20 to 25 minutes until tender and crisp.

Broiled Sweet Potato

Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick slices; broil for 10 minutes.

Matchstick style? Slice and dice? If you’re unsure of these basic terms, then visit our “How to Cut Sweet Potatoes” page for a video tutorial!

The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission is committed to supporting its growers and increasing sweet potato consumption through education, promotional activities, research and honorable horticultural practices among its producers.